Reconnecting the detached circuitry of a fractured life.

Splinters from the weathered exterior wall caught at the fabric of Ben's shirt, poking through to his skin as he leaned up against them. He was attempting to catch a small pocket of shade near the stables while the phone call from Melanie rambled on. Miraculously, the Blackberry had survived being thrown like a missile … Continue reading Chapter Thirteen (part two)

Mrs. Cooper pulled the line of gauze tight around her son’s knuckles, enough to keep the broken skin from being exposed, and finished the bandage off with a clip. When she’d completed her task, Travis set the ice pack he’d been holding to his cheek down onto the table and made to stand up, but … Continue reading Chapter Thirteen (part one)

"Mason called while you were out." Curtis' voice was sharp, and he pushed a torn slip of paper at Travis the moment he exited from Red Cloud's stall. Reluctantly, Travis took the note and glanced down at it, and from where Ben stood a few feet away, he noticed distress fall over the guy's face. … Continue reading Chapter Twelve (part one)

The magazine landed with an alarming slap against the Formica tabletop, startling the family members who were seated around it eating breakfast. Katy's forkful of scrambled eggs halted midway to her mouth as she studied the cover of the tabloid laid out before her. When she lifted her rid-rimmed, puffy eyes to look at Ben … Continue reading Chapter Eleven (part two)

A hand on the small of his back, a whiskered cheek against his skin, a pair of lips pressed to his temple, a voice crooning, "Wake up, handsome..." These were the comforting sensations that Ben awoke to as Travis stood over him, rousing him from his listless slumber with a gentle nudge. For once, the … Continue reading Chapter Eleven (part one)

Beyond the arc of the front porch light, Ben could just make out Travis' profile. He was standing several yards down the driveway with his hands clasped behind his head, looking down the length of gravel and dirt to the main road beyond as though waiting for a car to appear. But the road remained … Continue reading Chapter Ten (part two)

The white and rust-colored Hereford cow turned in an uncomfortable circle, drawing in a deep, cautious breath before lowering herself to the ground. Her quivering legs bent ungracefully beneath her pregnant belly as she descended down into the grass. Once situated, she remained still for a long moment, her large, dark, watery eyes staring off … Continue reading Chapter Ten (part one)

Ben closed his eyes. Leaned his head back against the metal toolbox and allowed the warmth of the midday sun piercing through the thin atmosphere to penetrate his body. In the high altitude, cloudless skies were excruciatingly bright. Despite a cool breeze in the air, the temperature was warm, and he'd already removed his sweater, … Continue reading Chapter Nine (part two)

Ben hoisted his belongings into his arms and walked with Audra to the bank of elevators, rolling his large suitcase along behind him. While waiting for an available car to arrive, he repeated, "I really appreciate your willingness to do this for me." "I told you, it's fine," Audra also repeated. "Even if I still … Continue reading Chapter Nine (part one)